STEM Jobs

STEM jobs can be found within a wide range of subjects and career paths, many of them highly specialized and in demand. The rapid growth of science and technology is predicted to continue over the next decade, making STEM jobs one of the fastest growing in the US. Most STEM careers require entry level candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree, with many more specialized careers requiring a master’s degree or above. While STEM graduates are in high demand in the private and government sectors, there is a surplus of graduates in academia, and prospective STEM students are advised to research their area of interest well.

Science Jobs

Geographers study changes in urban boundaries, create topographical maps to study change, and advise the emergency services on natural disasters.

Average salary: $40,000 - $90,000

Chemists develop new synthetic fibers, create new pharmaceutical products and use a wide variety of analytical techniques.

Average salary: $35,000 - $80,000

Pilots fly commercial, private and military aircraft, transporting passengers, delivering supplies and aid, testing new aircraft and working in agriculture.

Average salary: $40,000 - $275,000

Sound Engineers set up equipment for concerts and live events, design sound effects for video games and movies, and work as skilled DJs creating music for the club scene.

Average salary: $20,000 - $80,000

Meteorologists advise on drought management, study tornadoes to understand how and why they form, track hurricanes and make predictions that could save lives, and provide accurate weather forecasts.

Average salary: $30,000 - $100,000

Technology Jobs

Software Developers design all sorts of software, from virus scanners to video games. Most know one or more programing languages in depth and can use their skills to find technical solutions to a wide range of coding problems.

Average salary: $45,000 - $105,000

Systems Analysts design processes and computer systems for their clients that take their needs into account. They carry out research and advise on the costs and benefits of new technology and upgrades.

Average salary: $40,000 - $95,000

Web Developers design and build websites for many different clients, add functionality to existing sites, and advise on style and content. Generally they are coders themselves and are familiar with current web-related trends and technologies.

Average salary: $33,000 - $85,000

Database Administrators build and maintain custom databases for different organizations and companies. They oversee upgrades and new software installation, provide support, and maintain a high level of data security.

Average salary: $40,000 - $100,000

Engineering Jobs

Aerospace Engineers design, maintain and build aircraft, satellites, spacecraft, and related instruments and parts.

Average salary: $60,000 - $120,000

Mechanical Engineers design machines and other components for a wide range of industries, and oversee their installation and maintenance.

Average salary: $50,000 - $90,000

Quantity Surveyors work on building projects, managing costs from start to finish. They oversee the legal and quality requirements of the projects they work on.

Average salary: $25,000 - $115,000

Technical Brewers oversee beer production and maintain machinery in the brewing industry.

Average salary: $20,000 - $40,000

Math Jobs

Economists analyze and interpret financial data within different industries and areas.

Average salary: $43,000 - $135,000

Actuaries analyze statistical data in order to calculate probabilities for the insurance and pensions industries.

Average salary: $50,000 - $150,000

Biomathematicians model natural processes in order to study them. Biomathematics is applicable to many areas, including epidemiology, population studies, and social insect behavior patterns.

Average salary: $55,000 - $120,000

Accountants manage and investigate financial accounts for businesses and companies of all sizes.

Average salary: $30,000 - $70,000

Salary Statistics and Growth

Salaries vary according to field, specialization, area and sector, but in general STEM salaries are competitive. Average overall salaries are between $75K and $95K. Those in managerial occupations can expect to earn salaries of $100K or more, teachers earn $80-100K, and at the lower end of the scale, technicians can expect to earn $45-60K.

Job Field Growth or Decline

STEM is a fast growing area, with high growth predicted over the next ten years. The increasing need for STEM graduates is projected to grow as science and technology advances, and as the healthcare needs of the population increase. Currently, there is a shortage of STEM graduates in the private and government sectors, and there is a surplus in the academic sector.

Job Certifications, Training, Education Requirements

STEM jobs typically require at least a bachelor’s degree for entry level positions. An increasing number of management roles in this field require a master’s degree or higher.

Best US Cities for STEM Jobs

• Huntsville, Alabama
• San Jose, California
• Boulder, Colorado
• Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina
• Seattle, Washington
• Kennewick, Washington
• San Francisco, California
• Washington, DC
• Houston, TX
• Palm Bay, FL

Top 20 US STEM Employers

• Amazon.com
• Diverse Lynx
• Enterprise Solutions, Inc.
• ISOBAR
• Lockheed Martin
• IBM
• Northrop Grumman
• Microsoft
• General Dynamics - IT
• Leidos
• Oracle
• CGI
• Citi
• JPMorgan Chase
• Booz Allen Hamilton
• CSG
• Dell
• HP
• PwC
• AppLabs

Need a STEM job with a good salary? See 14 STEM careers that pay $50,000 or more.

Sources:

• http://www.payscale.com/
• https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm
• http://www.ehow.com/info_8713582_salary-biomathematician.html
• http://www.prospects.ac.uk/technical_brewer_salary.htm
• https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/cities/best-places-stem-grads-2015/
• http://www.forbes.com/sites/kathryndill/2015/06/19/the-companies-with-the-most-stem-job-openings-right-now-2/